La Factoría is a famous bar located in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico.
This unconventional spot is very popular with tourists and locals alike and has been among The World’s 50 Best Bars for five years in a row.
I’ve been to La Factoría many times so I can tell you everything about it!
In this article, I will cover all you need to know about La Factoría in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico.
– What is La Factoría?
– What is La Factoría known for?
– Where is La Factoría located?
– How old do you have to be to get into La Factoría?
– How many bars does La Factoría have?
– Is La Factoría safe for tourists?
What is La Factoría?
La Factoría is one of the most popular bars in Old San Juan.
Photo credit: @lafactoriapr
Its unmarked location and maze-like concept are only two of many interesting features of this distinctive night spot.
This rustic bar is full of secret passages, and each one of them will lead you to one of six bars.
Every bar of La Factoría offers a different ambiance, delicious food, and drink menus.
Photo credit: @natilla_rivera
Whether you want to let loose dancing all night, or just chill out with some friends there will be a bar for you in La Factoría.
La Factoría opened in 2013, but the building is one of the oldest in Old San Juan. The antiquity of the building gives a colonial-era vibe to the spot.
Below is a video of La Factoría:
If you want to know more about where to go out at night in San Juan, check out our article Nightlife in San Juan.
What is La Factoría known for?
La Factoría is known for many things!
Is not only one of the most popular night spots in Old San Juan but La Factoría is also famous for its mixology skills.
Photo credit: @lafactoriapr
La Factoría’s signature drink is the “Lavender Mule” a mix of ginger beer, vodka, and homemade lavender.
Photo credit: @lafactoriapr
Their amazing cocktail mastery has earned La Factoría an unwavering spot in North America’s 50 Best Bars list.
In addition to its refreshing drinks, La Factoría is also known for its exceptional talent in the culinary arts.
In February 2020, La Factoría’s chef Paxx Caraballo was nominated for the James Beard Awards under the category of “Best Chef: South” which is the most prestigious culinary award for chefs in the US.
Another feature that makes La Factoría so popular is its labyrinth-style concept leading to six different bars.
Check out this video of a few of the six bars of La Factoría.
La Factoría is also a very well-known location for the recording of several music videos, including the music video “Despacito” by Puerto Rican singers Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee.
Below is the music video of Despacito:
Check out our guide to the 35 Best Things To Do In Old San Juan for more.
Where is La Factoría located?
La Factoría is located in the heart of Old San Juan.
Photo credit: @keirebuhanto
On the corner of San Sebastian and San José street, you can find the century-old building of La Factoría.
Below is a Google Map that shows the location of La Factoría:
Learn all about the area in our article Old San Juan.
How old do you have to be to get into La Factoría?
The minimum age to enter La Factoría is 18 years old.
ID is requested to serve you drinks.
Photo credit: @lafactoriapr
If you want to know more about the drinking age in Puerto Rico, be sure to read our article on the Drinking Age in Puerto Rico.
How many bars does La Factoría have?
At the moment, La Factoría has 6 different bars!
Each of the bars offers a different atmosphere for the enjoyment of their customers.
The most popular bar of La Factoría is La Facto.
This bar was known as Café “Hijos de Borinquén” (Sons of Borinquen Cafe).
This spot is where revolutionaries used to meet back in the 50’s and 60’s.
Photo credit: @lafactoriapr
For wine lovers, La Factoría offers Vino! (Wine).
Photo credit: @vinofactoria
The Shing A’Ling is where the dancing takes place!
If you want to dance all night and listen to live salsa music Shing A’Ling is your spot.
Desvio’s (detour) candlelit ambiance bar offers a more intimate vibe.
Photo credit: @lafactoriapr
Next door is La Cubanita a Cuban inspired bar.
And then comes the end…literally.
The last bar of La Factoría is called El Final which translates to The End.
This bar is found at the end of the labyrinth and it offers a private mood with a wide range of music for people looking for a different sound.
Photo credit: @_awoods14
Is La Factoría safe for tourists?
Yes, it is safe!
In fact, La Factoría is one of the most visited bars by locals and tourists visiting Old San Juan.
Photo Credit: @harrika26
If you want to know more about safety in Old San Juan, check out our article Is Old San Juan Safe for Tourists?
Final thoughts
If you’re planning a vacation to Puerto Rico, remember: no visit to Old San Juan is complete without stopping by La Factoría.
Nowhere else will you find a night spot with a wide variety of atmospheres, world-winning cocktails, all kinds of music, and delicious food in the same place!
If you want to explore more while your in Old San Juan, check out our guide to the 11 Best Tours & Excursions In Old San Juan.
Originally published on PuertoRico.com (2023-03-01); last updated 2023-04-03.